Gloucester tighthead prop Afolabi Fasogbon has been rewarded for his commitment and maturity with a late call-up to the senior England rugby squad. The 20-year-old stepped in following an injury to Northampton Saints forward Emmanuel Iyogun, securing his spot ahead of England’s summer tour.
Fasogbon has just completed a strong first Premiership season, making 12 starts for Gloucester and helping the club secure a fifth-place finish. His performances earned him a new contract earlier this month. While many expected Fasogbon to be included in England’s summer tour from the start—including Gloucester’s director of rugby, George Skivington—he was initially left out of the squad by head coach Steve Borthwick following a period of training.
Skivington reflected on Fasogbon’s response to this setback, saying, “He was upset but he got straight back on it. I visited him a couple of weeks ago while the team was on holiday in Ibiza, but Afolabi chose to stay behind and focus on his training in the gym. He made that decision entirely on his own, aiming to be in perfect condition in case an opportunity arose. It was a smart, intelligent, and mature choice.”
READ MORE: Hay Fever Sufferers Warned Against Using Kenalog Amid Safety Concerns
READ MORE: Departing Gloucester Star Ruan Ackermann Joins DHL Stormers for 2025/26 Season
That opportunity came when Iyogun, who was one of ten uncapped players selected after an impressive season with Northampton reaching the Champions Cup final, had to withdraw due to injury. Fasogbon’s dedication and preparedness allowed him to step into the squad.
England is scheduled to play two Tests against Argentina, starting in Buenos Aires on July 5 and followed by a second match in San Juan on July 12. The team will then travel to Washington DC to face the United States in a one-off Test on July 19.
Fasogbon will be joining Gloucester teammates Seb Atkinson, Arthur Clark, and Charlie Atkinson as part of England’s squad this summer, marking an exciting chapter in his rugby career.